Operation Yellow Elephant also salutes former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, for his leadership on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal and his Service to Our Country over many decades. We wish him well in his retirement.

The devil is always in the details. We salute Dr. Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, Mr. Jeh Johnson, General Counsel of the Department of Defense and the leaders of the Pentagon body implementing the repeal, Ms. Virginia "Vee" Penrod, above, right, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Personnel Policy and Chairwoman of the Repeal Implementation Team, and Major General Steven A. Hummer, USMC, Chief of Staff, above, left, explaining the details following certification, and their Team for their hard work and dedication to America.

We also recognize and salute former Rep. Patrick Murphy [D-PA], above, now a candidate for Pennsylvania Attorney General [click here and scroll down for his statement], and Senator Joe Lieberman [I-CT], below, for their leadership in Congress and perseverance in doing the right thing for America.